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The Boston Celtics are undergoing roster changes following Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, including trading Jrue Holiday to Portland and Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta amid financial pressures. Despite this, they retain assets for significant trades, potentially positioning them to pursue Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo if he requests a move. A proposed trade by SI.com's Alan Goldsher would send Antetokounmpo and A.J. Green to Boston in exchange for Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, and three first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030). Financial viability would require involving at least one additional team, but the framework offers Milwaukee substantial assets if they consider moving their franchise player. For the Celtics, acquiring Antetokounmpo would enable retooling around him and Tatum, with Green—a 25-year-old coming off a career-best season (7.4 points, 2.1 threes per game)—bolstering their three-point system. While losing Pritchard would impact guard depth, younger players like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman could gain opportunities, and Brown would transition to a primary role in Milwaukee.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed league expansion during comments on Tuesday night, clarifying that it is currently a "curiosity" rather than a concrete plan. He stated the league needs to "do the work" to evaluate whether expansion beyond 30 teams is beneficial ("additive"), considering economic impact, competitive balance, and national footprint. Silver emphasized assessing potential markets' desire for a team and their infrastructure capabilities. The analysis identifies three primary cities frequently discussed as potential NBA expansion locations, envisioning a move to 32 teams. Seattle is presented as the most obvious choice, with fans longing for the return of the Supersonics since their 2008 relocation. Arguments for Seattle include its position as the 20th largest US media market (larger than nine current NBA teams), proven ability to support professional sports (highlighting the NHL's sellout Kraken), and the emotional appeal of restoring a historic franchise. Las Vegas is described as inevitable ("when not if"), likely within the next five years, driven by strong financial potential. Silver himself has referred to it as the potential "31st franchise." The city's embrace of the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces (top attendance) demonstrates existing local fan support beyond just tourism. Placing an expansion team in Vegas, rather than relocating an existing team, is seen as preferable, capitalizing on its status as a major tourist destination to boost visiting team attendance. Mexico City represents a significant international opportunity for the NBA, tapping into Mexico's surging basketball interest, including a reported 25% year-over-year viewership jump (2022-2023), making it a top 10 international market. It would become the NBA's largest city by population. While the massive population suggests strong support potential, the main hurdle identified is establishing the necessary infrastructure. Despite the logical appeal, Mexico City is viewed as less realistic for near-term expansion compared to Seattle or Vegas, noting the NFL's prolonged but unrealized efforts there.
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Joel Embiid is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, performed in April. This marks his second operation on the same meniscus injury within the past year. The surgery was intended to ensure his readiness for the start of the 2025-26 season. Despite the team's optimism, specifically from President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey who states Embiid is "on track" for training camp, preseason, and the regular season, league sources report Embiid has not yet resumed on-court basketball activities. The injury initially occurred against the Golden State Warriors over a year and a half ago, significantly impacting his 2024-25 season. Embiid's recent seasons have been plagued by injuries, limiting him to 39 games in 2023-24 and only 19 games last season. His absence severely hampers the Philadelphia 76ers' championship aspirations, making his recovery crucial for the team, fans, and coaching staff. Recovery involves multiple hurdles: first returning to on-court activities, then rebuilding conditioning, and finally progressing to contact and live game situations. He is expected to need managed minutes initially and won't be at his peak for several months. Rushing his return risks re-aggravation of the injury. The decision for early surgery stemmed from a disagreement during the season. The Sixers front office believed Embiid needed to play to improve his conditioning, while Embiid felt surgery was necessary. This difference in approach reportedly caused tension between the player and the front office. With the surgery completed and recovery ongoing, the focus is now on Embiid showing positive recovery signs to be ready for the season opener. The pressure to return will mount, but adding load too quickly could force him to miss the start of the season.
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New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has confirmed her participation in the 2025 WNBA 3-Point Contest, scheduled for All-Star Weekend on Friday. She revealed this news to The New York Post. Ionescu initially sparked speculation about her involvement through a subtle Instagram post. The post featured a photo of her with Stephen Curry from last year's NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, captioned only with several eyebrow-raising emojis. This marks Ionescu's second appearance in the WNBA 3-Point Contest. Her last participation was in 2023, where she delivered a record-breaking performance by scoring 37 points in the final round – the highest single-round score in both WNBA and NBA history. In 2024, Ionescu competed directly against Stephen Curry at the NBA 3-Point Contest, narrowly losing 29-26 to the Golden State Warriors star. Currently in her sixth WNBA season, Ionescu is averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.6 steals. While her three-point shooting percentage this season (32.4%) is a career low, she holds a career three-point percentage of 35.9%. So far, Ionescu and Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron are the only confirmed participants for this year's WNBA 3-Point Contest, which is set to take place in Indiana.
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Sunday's WNBA schedule features four games, headlined by a matchup between the Dallas Wings, led by Paige Bueckers, visiting the Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark. This game pits the last two No. 1 overall draft picks against each other. The afternoon includes another key Eastern Conference clash between the Atlanta Dream and the New York Liberty. The night concludes with interconference games. As the league approaches the All-Star break, the playoff race is tight, with eight teams trailing the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx by just 3 to 7.5 games. Several of these teams (New York, Atlanta, Seattle, Indiana, Washington) are playing on Sunday, presenting opportunities to improve their standings position. Betting analysis favors the New York Liberty against the Atlanta Dream. While the teams are 1-1 this season, New York won the home game. The Liberty boast a strong 8-2 home record and a +15.5 net rating at home (second best in the WNBA), contrasting with Atlanta's 4-5 road record and negative road net rating (-0.6). Despite the Liberty's poor record against the spread (ATS), the analysis recommends betting on them to win outright, citing their superior overall team ratings (second in offense, defense, and net rating) compared to Atlanta (third in offense, eighth in defense). Betting analysis also favors the Indiana Fever to win outright against the Dallas Wings. While expressing some hesitation about covering a 10-point spread, the analysis supports betting on Indiana due to Dallas's poor 2-9 road record and 9-12 ATS record overall. The Fever are coming off a home win against Atlanta after a loss following Caitlin Clark's return from injury.
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During the Minnesota Timberwolves' Summer League game against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Edwards created a viral moment while signing autographs for young fans. When a spectator pointed out a child wearing a Jamal Murray jersey and shouted, "He's a Nuggets fan!", Edwards instantly responded with humor and confidence: "It's all good. I be busting their ass." The exchange was captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms. The incident sparked enthusiastic reactions online, with fans praising Edwards' charismatic engagement with rival supporters. One user joked about Edwards potentially signing Nuggets contracts in the future, while others highlighted his growing appeal beyond the Timberwolves fan base. The moment underscored Edwards' reputation as one of the NBA's most beloved personalities due to his quick wit and approachability. This event occurred during Minnesota's second Summer League matchup against Denver, attended by prominent Timberwolves figures including new controlling owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, head coach Chris Finch, and assistant coach Micah Nori. The ownership transition had been formally announced just one day prior, shifting attention back to on-court developments.
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Kyrie Irving recently reflected positively on his initial time with the Boston Celtics during a Twitch stream with former teammate Jaylen Brown. He described feeling excitement upon joining the team in 2017, citing family connections to Boston—his father attended a nearby school and his mother graduated from Boston University. Irving emphasized that after his tenure in Cleveland, he "needed that change of pace" and appreciated being challenged daily by Boston's talented roster, calling the experience of wearing the Celtics uniform "crazy." Irving played for the Celtics from 2017 to 2019, averaging 24.1 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. However, his exit was highly contentious. He broke promises to re-sign with the team and infamously stomped on the Celtics logo after joining the Brooklyn Nets, making him deeply unpopular among Boston fans. This controversy made his recent fond recollections surprising. Post-Celtics, Irving faced his former team 28 times with the Cavaliers, Nets, and Mavericks, averaging 23.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, with his teams going 13-15 against Boston. He left in 2019 primarily seeking a "change of scenery," personal reasons (including proximity to family in New Jersey), and a desire for more franchise control. Despite initially intending to stay, his tumultuous second season led him to depart, potentially costing the Celtics a dynasty alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Irving’s history with Boston culminated in the 2024 NBA Finals, where his Mavericks lost 4-1 to the Celtics. Throughout the series, he endured intense jeering from Boston fans due to his acrimonious departure and subsequent actions against the franchise.
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The Connecticut Sun (3-17) face the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) on Sunday, with the Sun traveling to the West Coast. Connecticut enters the game following a 79-65 loss to the Seattle Storm. Despite Tina Charles recording a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds), the team's overall offense struggled. The Sparks also come off a loss, falling 91-82 to the first-place Minnesota Lynx. Kelsey Plum led Los Angeles with 17 points and 12 assists, while Julie Vanloo contributed 15 points off the bench in 17 minutes. The Sparks' defense was unable to contain Minnesota. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams during the 2025 season. Their next games are scheduled for Thursday, July 24th in Uncasville, Connecticut, and finally on August 7th in Los Angeles. The game can be watched on NBC Sports Boston in New England. Fans can watch the WNBA all season long, including nationally televised games featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers, on Fubo. A live stream of the Sun vs. Sparks game is available on Fubo, offering a free trial (regional restrictions may apply).
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AJ Edu is anticipated to take on a more significant role for the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team due to the absence of Kai Sotto and an injury to June Mar Fajardo. Sotto is sidelined with a knee injury sustained in January and will miss the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this August. Edu acknowledged Sotto's absence as a tough loss for the team. Speaking at the launch of Gilas' new jerseys in Makati, Edu stated that with one of the star players out, the entire team, not just him, must step up and take on added responsibility. Edu's recent performance includes averaging 8.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in two Asia Cup qualifying games for Gilas. During the 2024-2025 season with Nagasaki Velca in the Japan B. League, he played in 59 out of 60 games, averaging 5.6 points, a team-high 6.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game (which ranked second in the league). He recently signed with the Gunma Crane Thunders in June. Edu arrived in the Philippines earlier this week to regain game shape and prepare to join Gilas' practices. He expressed feeling blessed and honored to represent the country, stating he doesn't take the opportunity for granted and is very excited for the chance.
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The Chicago Sky (6-13) will face the Minnesota Lynx (18-3) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC and ESPN+. This matchup follows Rebecca Allen's standout 27-point performance in Chicago's 87-76 home victory over the Dallas Wings, where she also recorded three blocks and shot 69.2% from the field, including 5-7 from three-point range. Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds in that win. The Minnesota Lynx enter the game after a 91-82 road win against Los Angeles, led by Natisha Hiedeman with 18 points (58.3% FG) and Napheesa Collier with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The article includes betting odds from BetMGM Sportsbook, updated at 6:06 a.m. ET on Saturday, and directs readers to USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub for full details. It features disclaimers about gambling risks, advising readers to wager responsibly and comply with local laws, while noting Gannett's potential revenue from operator referrals and providing problem gambling helpline numbers.
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LeBron James reportedly believes the Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing future development over immediate championship contention. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James "feels clearly that the Lakers are more in a futuristic mindset," and Charania indicated this will necessitate some "hard conversations." James' agent, Rich Paul, informed Charania that the NBA's all-time leading scorer will be closely monitoring the Lakers' offseason moves. Specifically, James wants to see if the team is building a roster capable of contending for a title in the 2025-26 season. Paul stated that while understanding the challenge of balancing winning now with preparing for the future, they need to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage, emphasizing James' desire to make every remaining season count. Paul noted the Lakers are supportive and want what's best for him. James is under contract for next season after picking up his $52.6 million player option on June 29. The Lakers' actions suggest a focus on the future, potentially without James. With 26-year-old superstar Luka Dončić entering his first full year with the team, ESPN reported that GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick have a strategy to build around Dončić's skills. The team has made several free-agent signings: forward Jake LaRavia (two years, $12 million), center Deandre Ayton (two years, $16.6 million), and re-signed center Jaxson Hayes (one year). While the Lakers, coming off a 50-32 season, would remain a playoff contender if James stays, the report states James believes the organization is prioritizing future success over winning a championship specifically in 2026.
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The Seattle Storm (12-8) will host the Connecticut Sun (16-3) in a key WNBA matchup at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast live on ION. This game follows a Wednesday matchup where the Sun defeated the Storm 93-83 in Connecticut. Tina Charles led the Sun to victory with 29 points and 11 rebounds, supported by Bria Hartley (15 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jacy Sheldon (16 points). For the Storm, Skylar Diggins scored 23 points with 7 assists, Gabby Williams added 21 points and 5 rebounds, and Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds). However, Seattle's bench contributed only 4 points total. The central question heading into Friday's rematch is whether the Sun can secure another surprising win against the Storm or if Seattle's overall talent advantage will prevail on their home court. The WNBA season, including nationally televised games featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers, is available to watch on Fubo (carrying ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ION, and NBA TV). A free trial for Fubo is available to stream this game.
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The Golden State Warriors, despite acquiring Jimmy Butler at the previous trade deadline and having made no moves yet in the 2025 offseason, are potentially still seeking another impactful player. With their core of Butler, Stephen Curry, and Draymond Green aging, the team recognizes its limited championship window, and GM Mike Dunleavy could significantly alter their trajectory with a major decision. Recent reports indicate the Warriors might contact the Utah Jazz to pursue a trade for forward Lauri Markkanen, a former All-Star and 2023 Most Improved Player. This opportunity arises due to Utah's recent moves potentially making Markkanen available, presenting a surprising offseason option for Golden State. Analyst G.C. Bellchamber notes that while acquiring Markkanen would be financially complex, he would represent a "game-changing acquisition" for the Warriors. Even after adding Butler, the team's biggest need remains, and their known willingness to spend for another title makes pursuit of Markkanen unsurprising. Markkanen, a 28-year-old, 7-foot sharpshooter from Finland, could elevate the Warriors to true title contenders in the competitive Western Conference. Since joining the Jazz in 2022, he has averaged 23.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 38.0% from three-point range on 8.0 attempts per game over three seasons.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 98-91 in their opening NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Timberwolves took the lead late in the second quarter and maintained it for the win. Rookie Joan Beringer made an immediate defensive impact, blocking New Orleans's first two shots. He finished the game with an astounding six blocks, showcasing his length, quickness, and court awareness. Notably, he committed only two fouls despite his defensive activity. Beringer also contributed offensively, scoring 11 points on efficient 5-6 shooting. His baskets included a floater and a lob dunk. He added eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals for a strong overall debut performance. Terrence Shannon Jr. dominated the game, leading the Timberwolves with 20 points and nine assists. His performance suggested he might be "too good for Summer League." He sealed the win late in the fourth quarter with a coast-to-coast monster dunk.
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The NCAA Basketball Tournament will remain at 68 teams for now, despite recent discussions about expanding it to 72 or 76 teams. NCAA senior vice president Dan Gavitt confirmed that while the possibility of expansion was discussed at length during meetings of the Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Committees this week, no decision or recommendation was made. Gavitt stated that viable options still include keeping the tournaments at 68 teams or expanding them to either 72 or 76 teams, potentially by the 2026 or 2027 championships. However, expansion for the 2026 tournament is considered unlikely due to the event being only eight months away, leaving limited time for necessary format changes. While not ruled out entirely, a final decision on potential expansion will be made at a later date. The tournament last expanded in 2011, moving from 65 to 68 teams, which introduced the current format including the First Four games.
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The Brooklyn Nets are approaching the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with a focus on player development and evaluation rather than simply winning games, particularly important given their young roster and rebuild heavily dependent on a single draft class. The team is bringing all five of their record-setting first-round draft pick rookies to compete, with four of them expected to participate in games. They will be joined by three other players who played for the Nets last season and an additional player who saw action with the Los Angeles Lakers. This roster composition means there will be numerous storylines to follow during the Summer League, starting with the Nets' opening game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. This game serves as the undercard for the much-anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg playing against Bronny James and the Lakers.
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The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a historic seven-team trade during the offseason, aiming to build on their previous season's momentum after being eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Former Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo declared on his podcast that the Rockets might be "the best team he’s ever been traded to," clarifying that Durant previously signed with Golden State rather than being traded there. Antetokounmpo emphasized that while Durant played on stronger teams like the Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, Houston now possesses superior depth and roster balance. He contrasted Durant's career moves, noting the two championships won after joining the Warriors' core in 2016, versus the unsuccessful Brooklyn experiment with Kyrie Irving and James Harden that was derailed by injuries and off-court issues.
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The Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 offseason has yielded mixed outcomes, including signing potential starting center Deandre Ayton while losing key defender Dorian Finney-Smith. The team must further improve its roster before the October season tip-off to incentivize Luka Dončić's contract extension and accommodate LeBron James' decision to opt into what may be his final Lakers contract year. Amid this context, LeBron James sparked confusion among fans by posting a social media message in Spanish on Thursday morning via platform X. The unexpected Spanish-language communication from the typically English-posting athlete prompted widespread puzzlement among his followers. Fan reactions varied significantly: some humorously coined nicknames like "LeSpanish" and "El Bron," while others expressed disbelief with comments such as "What the...". One overzealous supporter claimed "the GOAT can speak fluent Spanish," whereas another mocked the post's authenticity by suggesting Google Translate was used. A Lakers fan notably referenced James' reported lack of communication with new teammate Ayton, quipping, "Ayton is still waiting for your text..."
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While most NBA teams are cutting payroll to avoid luxury tax penalties, the Oklahoma City Thunder are spending aggressively early in the offseason, signing expensive contract extensions with eligible players. The latest deal is a five-year, up to $287 million max rookie extension for All-Star Jalen Williams. The Thunder have committed a potential total of $877.21 million in new contracts, with $822 million of that going to their core trio: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams. This spending spree has raised concerns about compliance with the league's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with some pointing to the Boston Celtics as a cautionary tale. The CBA, implemented in summer 2023, aims to prevent dynasties and promote parity by imposing financial penalties and restrictions through mechanisms like the luxury tax, repeater tax, and specific hard salary caps known as the first and second tax aprons. Given their massive commitments, it appears the Thunder are destined to become a second-apron team. However, projections show the Thunder are financially positioned to avoid these penalties. Even with all roster spots filled, they are estimated to be about $8 million below the first tax apron for the 2025-26 season. When the extensions for Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren start in 2026-27, they are still projected to have roughly $17 million of space below the second apron. This flexibility stems from having several players on cost-efficient, easily movable contracts (like Isaiah Hartenstein, whose $28.5 million team option could be declined), numerous players still on rookie-scale deals, and a wealth of draft capital. Consequently, despite their significant spending on their star trio, the Thunder have the means to keep their championship-contending team together while completely avoiding the restrictive second apron, defying the CBA's intent to prevent sustained dominance.
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Reigning WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson will miss the Las Vegas Aces' game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday due to an injured right wrist. The Aces announced her absence but have not officially designated her injury status, listing her as day to day. Wilson sustained the injury during the Aces' loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday night. She fell hard to the floor in the second quarter. Although she briefly continued playing, she left the game for good with 2:22 remaining in the first half. Wilson underwent an MRI for the injury, but the Aces have not publicly released the results. Wilson commented on the situation on Instagram, humorously noting "Nothing wakes you up like the sound of an MRI machine lol!" and expressing appreciation for the care shown by both the Liberty and her Aces teammates when she was hurt. This wrist injury marks the second time Wilson has been sidelined this season, as she previously missed three games due to a concussion. Wilson is currently averaging 20.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season.
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GG Jackson emerged as a polarizing figure for the Memphis Grizzlies starting in 2024, seizing consistent playing time after injuries to Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, and Desmond Bane. He averaged 14.6 points and earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors, then led the Grizzlies' summer league team to the championship game while securing All-Summer League First Team recognition. However, a broken foot sustained in an open run sidelined him until January 2025. Upon returning, Jackson struggled to adapt to a Grizzlies squad contending in the Western Conference's top three—a stark contrast to his rookie-year role as a primary option on a losing team. These difficulties fueled internal frustration, raising questions about whether Memphis might part ways with him this offseason. Despite this, Jackson voluntarily rejoined the 2025 summer league to demonstrate his ongoing value to the franchise. During the Grizzlies' rookie introduction, GM Zach Kleiman highlighted Jackson as the team's youngest player at age 20. He is 15 months younger than the next closest teammate on their summer league roster, which includes draft picks Cedric Coward, Javon Small, and Jahmai Mashack. Before his injury, fans debated Jackson’s potential as a starting small forward—a role eventually filled by All-Rookie First Team member Jaylen Wells after Jackson’s setback. Jackson addresses Memphis’s longstanding need for a wing scorer, a void unmet since Rudy Gay’s 2013 trade. In summer league play, he’s averaging 23.5 points on 57.5% field-goal shooting (including 37.5% from three), echoing the promise he showed pre-injury. His current performance underscores why the Grizzlies should persist in developing him, as his unique skillset—critical for championship contention—could determine whether the franchise ascends to elite status. Jackson’s growth extends beyond on-court skills, encompassing improved mentality and approach to the game.
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The Phoenix Mercury won their second WNBA championship in 2009, adding to titles won in 2007 and 2014. They finished the 2009 regular season with a 23-11 record, the best in the Western Conference, led by league MVP Diana Taurasi who averaged 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In the playoffs, the Mercury defeated the San Antonio Stars 2-1 in the first round, overcoming an initial loss. They then advanced by beating the Los Angeles Sparks 2-1 in the next round, setting up a WNBA Finals appearance against the Indiana Fever. The Finals against the Fever was a competitive five-game series. Phoenix won a high-scoring overtime opener 120-116, fueled by Cappie Pondexter and Penny Taylor. Indiana responded by winning Games 2 (93-84) and 3 (86-85) on a late Ebony Hoffman jumper. Facing elimination, the Mercury won Game 4 decisively (90-77) to force a decisive Game 5, which they won to claim the championship 3-2. Diana Taurasi was named Finals MVP for her performance, marking her first Finals MVP award. The 2009 championship is remembered as one of the franchise's most memorable accomplishments.
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The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will feature A'ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston as teammates on Team Clark, while Allisha Gray will play for the opposing Team Collier. The team selection occurred during a player draft held on Tuesday night. Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier, the top two vote-getters in the fan vote, served as team captains. They drafted their teams from the pool of eight remaining starters and twelve reserves, with Clark having the first overall pick. Clark selected Aliyah Boston first. Gray was Collier's second selection (fourth overall pick), and Clark subsequently selected Wilson. Team Clark consists of starters Aliyah Boston, A'ja Wilson, Satou Sabally, and Sabrina Ionescu, along with reserves Kelsey Mitchell, Gabby Williams, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Jackie Young, and Kayla Thornton. Team Collier includes starters Allisha Gray, Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, and Paige Bueckers, plus reserves Courtney Williams, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Angel Reese, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, and Rhyne Howard. Aliyah Boston, in her third season, earns her third All-Star appearance. She was second in fan voting last season and fourth in 2022, becoming the eighth rookie to start an All-Star Game. Boston is averaging career-highs of 16.6 points and 3.5 assists, plus 8.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, while leading the WNBA in field goal percentage at 59.7%. Allisha Gray is having a career season and is an All-Star starter for the first time, having been a reserve in 2023 and 2024. Last season, she won both the three-point contest and the skills challenge.
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Jeffrey Rodriguez of East San Jose, wrongfully imprisoned for five years for an armed robbery he didn't commit, is receiving a $1 million settlement from Santa Clara County. This payment serves as the closest form of amends he will receive, despite being found factually innocent after the charges were dismissed. The settlement brings the county's total payouts for wrongful convictions by the District Attorney's Office since 2005 to over $4.6 million. While acknowledging the money cannot compensate for missing five years of his son's life, enduring beatings in jail, or losing his girlfriend, Rodriguez plans to use it after legal fees to buy property in the Central Valley, assist family members who sold their home for his legal expenses, and open a barber shop. Rodriguez expressed no anger, stating he wants to be "free" and that he survived the ordeal through frequent phone calls to family from prison and religious faith, believing "God lets things happen for a reason." The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office referred inquiries about the settlement to the County Counsel's Office, which declined to comment. Importantly, the county is not admitting to any allegations made in the lawsuit, which included negligence, suppression of evidence, and witness tampering, by settling the case. The federal lawsuit detailed the case history: Rodriguez's first trial ended with an 11-1 jury vote for acquittal for the robbery at a Kragen auto parts loading dock. He was subsequently convicted in a second trial, but that conviction was later overturned by an appellate court due to ineffective assistance from his trial attorney. Prosecutors under then newly-elected District Attorney Dolores Carr ultimately decided against a third trial due to doubts about the victim's identification of Rodriguez and because the sole physical evidence – testimony about an oil stain analysis by the then-crime lab chief – was contradicted by outside analysts, including the state Department of Justice.
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Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown may return to action sooner than initially anticipated, according to a report from Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. This follows a cryptic social media post hinting at his imminent return. Brown has been sidelined for the entire season after suffering a shoulder injury in the Chiefs' first preseason game. Matt Derrick reported that Brown's recovery is progressing "extremely well" and indicated that the team could activate his 21-day practice window within the next few weeks, potentially as soon as next week but more likely the week after. Derrick stated, "I think we see him sooner than later." This potential return is significant for the struggling Chiefs offense, offering a "massive boost." There were prior concerns Brown might not play at all this season after signing only a one-year deal. Brown, a talented receiver who had a 1,000-yard season just three years ago, would make the offense "much more dangerous" if available for the crucial stretch run of the season. Brown's return is part of a positive trend for the Chiefs, with running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu also expected back within the next two weeks. While Brown is unlikely to play in the upcoming games against the Panthers, Raiders, or Chargers, speculation points to a possible regular-season debut on December 15th against the Cleveland Browns. Regardless of the exact date, the report suggests Brown will be back on the field when the Chiefs need him most.
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The New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces entered their game facing significant struggles. The Aces held a 9-9 record near the WNBA playoff cut line, while the Liberty had lost six of their last nine games and risked falling in the standings. Both teams were depleted, missing key players like Kelsey Plum (traded), Jonquel Jones (injured), Natasha Cloud, and Isabelle Harrison (both injured), making a win crucial for either side. Following a poor offensive performance in their previous loss, Liberty coach Sandy Brondello's message resonated. Leonie Fiebich responded aggressively on offense, finishing with 15 points on a season-high 11 shot attempts. She actively sought mismatches against the Aces' switch-heavy defense. Fiebich attributed her comfort to European experience with switching defenses, emphasizing ball movement and speed. The first quarter featured high-level offense from both teams, though missed open shots kept the halftime score lower at 42-40. Despite A'ja Wilson having a quiet first half for Vegas, the Liberty defense wasn't sharp. While Fiebich defended Chelsea Gray effectively, Jackie Young started strong for the Aces, who also found open 3-pointers due to lapses in New York's attention. A critical moment occurred when A'ja Wilson suffered a hard fall, landing awkwardly on her right wrist. The three-time MVP shot free throws and played briefly more before exiting the game for the night. Initially, the Aces didn't falter, building a seven-point lead shortly after halftime. However, Brondello's strategic substitution of Marine Johannés for Nyara Sabally proved decisive. This "downsizing but up-spacing" move worked perfectly. Kennedy Burke, playing power forward, recorded three steals in the third quarter (finishing with a career-high six steals), igniting the Liberty's transition game and sparking their comeback. When asked about her own performance, Leonie Fiebich highlighted Kennedy Burke's impact, praising her steals and energy as crucial for the team's success that night.
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The article challenges the stereotype of basketball players being "heartbreakers" by highlighting several players in committed relationships. It specifically mentions Doug Kramer, married to actress Chesca Garcia, with whom he has three children; the family has transitioned from basketball to becoming YouTubers. Further examples include PBA players Von Pessumal, who is engaged to Miss World Philippines 2017 Laura Lehmann, and PJ Simon, who is married to 2018 Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational Jehza Huelar. The article also notes that younger players like Kevin Ferrer, Scottie Thompson, and Aljon Mariano are in long-term relationships with their girlfriends. Additionally, former Ateneo player and five-time UAAP champion Nico Salva is still in a relationship with radio DJ, host, and vlogger Karla Aguas. The piece concludes by inviting readers to learn more about the wives and girlfriends of PBA players.
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